IMPORTANT ACTION request from Vertical Response and Project Coyote - TopicsExpress



          

IMPORTANT ACTION request from Vertical Response and Project Coyote ~ COMMENTS DUE AUGUST 18th ~ SPEAK OUT NOW! Dear Friend of Wildlife, You may recall this past December Idaho held a highly controversial killing contest targeting both wolves and coyotes. This was the first time wolves were targeted in a predator killing contest since their reintroduction. We have just learned the killing contest sponsor, a group called Idaho for Wildlife, is seeking to repeat this contest over several years, this time not only targeting wolves and coyotes -- with prizes awarded for killing the most coyotes and the largest wolf-- but also other predators, in a multi-year predator derby scheduled for the next five winters (with the next one scheduled for January 2-4, 2015). This event would be damaging to the affected ecosystem, harmful to ecologically vital species, incompatible with scientific principles of wildlife management, and offensive to the concept of fair chase, ethical hunting. Your comments are needed NOW. Urge the BLM to deny Idaho for Wildlifes request for a special recreation permit that would allow contestants to kill predators on over 3 million acres of public lands in Idaho for the next five years. The BLM is currently soliciting input from the public on the scope of what should be considered in an Environmental Assessment (EA). The issues identified for analysis in the EA include the impact on economic and social values, the impact on existing recreational uses, and the affect on wildlife habitat and threatened species in the targeted area. Please dont miss this opportunity to voice your opposition (you do not have to be an Idaho resident to comment as this is federal BLM land- YOUR land!). Please act now! More info. here. Comments are due no later than August 18th and can be emailed to: Liz Townley Outdoor Recreation Planner [email protected] or sent to: Liz Townley Outdoor Recreation Planner BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT Salmon Field Office 1405 Hollipark Drive Idaho Falls, Idaho 83467 Please cc Project Coyote as we are tracking letters sent ([email protected]) Please include in your subject line Re: DOI-BLM-ID-I000-2014-0002-EA Please also include your full contact information so your letter is counted in the official record and address the three areas this scoping document covers: 1- the impact on economic and social values; 2- the impact on existing recreational uses; 3- the affect on wildlife habitat and threatened species in the targeted area. Talking Points: 1. Killing contests have nothing in common with fair chase, ethical hunting. Technology, baiting, and calling place wildlife at an even greater and unfair disadvantage. Hunting in winter, when species can be easily tracked in snow and when most animals are working hard to survive contravenes the notion of fair chase. Killing predators, or any wild animal, as part of a contest or derby is ethically indefensible and ecologically reckless. 2. Bloodsport contests are conducted for profit, entertainment, prizes and, simply, for the fun of killing. No evidence exists showing that predator killing contests control problem animals or serve any beneficial management function. Coyote populations that are not exploited (that is hunted, trapped, or controlled by other means), form stable extended family social structures that naturally limit overall coyote populations through defense of territory and the suppression of breeding by subordinate female members of the family group. 3. The importance of wolves, coyotes and other predators in maintaining order, stability, and productivity in ecosystems has been well documented in peer- reviewed scientific literature. Coyotes provide myriad ecosystem services that benefit humans including their control of rodents and rabbits, which compete with domestic livestock for available forage. As apex predators wolves increase biodiversity and ecological integrity. 4. With fewer than 700 wolves in Idaho and poaching a common problem, allowing a killing contest of a species just off the endangered species list is reckless, indefensible and counter to sound science. 5. Economically, a live wolf is worth far more than a dead one. Wolf watching has brought in millions of dollars into Idaho and tourism is a major economic revenue source. 6. Wildlife killing contests perpetuate a culture of violence and send the message to children that life has little value and that an entire species of animals is disposable. 7. Wildlife killing contests put non-target animals, companion animals, and people at risk. Domestic dogs are sometimes mistaken for coyotes and wolves. We will continue to keep our supporters apprised. Thank you always for your support & action on behalf of wildlife. from Camilla H. Fox Founder & Executive Director Project Coyote #WildlifeNot4Profit #StandForWolves #SpeakForWolves #DefendWildlife #wolf #wolves #BanTrophyHunting
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 00:26:22 +0000

Trending Topics



Recently Viewed Topics




© 2015